10 Degrees South: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Upscale South African Steakhouse Experience

If you’re looking for something different from the usual Southern and soul food in Atlanta, 10 Degrees South is one of the city’s most recognizable South African–inspired restaurants. It blends a steakhouse feel with global flavors, making it a popular pick for date nights, special occasions, and nights out in Buckhead.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what 10 Degrees South is, what to expect, and how it fits into the city’s dining scene.

What Is 10 Degrees South?

10 Degrees South is a South African–inspired restaurant in Atlanta known for:

• Grilled meats and steaks (often with bold spice blends and sauces)
• Safari-style and coastal South African dishes
• A mix of familiar Southern comfort elements (like hearty sides and rich sauces) with global flavors
• An atmosphere that leans more upscale and lounge-like than casual diner

It’s often mentioned as one of the first places in Atlanta to introduce many locals to South African cuisine, and it sits comfortably in the space between steakhouse, lounge, and global comfort food spot.

While it’s not a classic “meat-and-three” soul food restaurant, it’s relevant to anyone exploring Southern dining in Atlanta who also wants to branch out into international flavors that still feel comforting and hearty.

Where It Fits in Atlanta’s Southern & Soul Food Landscape

Southern Comfort, South African Twist

Atlanta’s food scene is packed with:

• Traditional soul food (fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese)
• Lowcountry and coastal Southern spots
• New Southern restaurants with more modern spins

10 Degrees South fits in by offering:

• Grilled meats that feel familiar to steakhouse and BBQ fans
• Rich, sauce-driven dishes that echo the comfort and warmth of soul food
• Starches like pap (similar in comfort level to grits or mashed potatoes) and rice-based dishes that feel homey even if the spices and names are new

For an Atlantan who loves Southern comfort food but wants to try something different without feeling totally out of their element, 10 Degrees South often lands in that sweet spot.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

10 Degrees South is part of the Buckhead dining scene, a neighborhood known for higher-end restaurants, nightlife, and cocktail bars. For anyone in Atlanta, that means:

• It tends to draw date-night and group-dinner crowds
• It’s commonly paired with going out afterward in Buckhead
• You’ll want to plan your parking or rideshare ahead of time, especially on weekends

Getting There: Practical Tips

• Driving: Buckhead can be busy during peak hours (evenings, weekends). Leave early if you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or the suburbs to allow for traffic.
• Parking: Many Buckhead restaurants offer valet or shared lot parking; you’ll want to confirm what’s available when you go, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
• Rideshare: Many Atlanta locals choose Uber or Lyft to avoid dealing with Buckhead traffic and parking, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in Midtown, Downtown, or near the Perimeter, Buckhead is generally a manageable drive or rideshare ride away.

What to Expect: Atmosphere and Vibe

10 Degrees South is not a casual meat-and-three lunch counter; it leans more toward the upscale yet relaxed dinner spot. Typical expectations:

• Dimmer lighting, lounge-like feel
• A mix of bar seating, tables, and sometimes outdoor options (depending on the current setup)
• Guests often dressed business casual to smart casual
• Background music and an environment that feels more like date night or special evening than quick weeknight takeout

If you’re used to laid-back Southern diners, this will feel a bit more polished. If you’re used to Buckhead steakhouses and lounges, it will feel right in line with that scene, just with a distinctive South African angle.

Menu Overview: South African Meets Comfort Food

Menus change over time, but diners in Atlanta typically go to 10 Degrees South for:

1. Grilled Meats & Steaks

Expect options like:

• Beef and lamb cuts with South African–inspired rubs and sauces
• Grilled meats served with sides that feel familiar but seasoned differently
• Sauces like peri-peri (a spicy, tangy chili sauce), which can be adjusted for heat tolerance

If you like Atlanta steakhouses and grilled meats, this part of the menu tends to feel instantly comfortable.

2. Starters & Shared Plates

South African starters often include:

• Samosas or pastry-style appetizers
• Small bites meant for sharing around the table
• Sauces and dips that introduce new spices and flavors but still feel approachable

These are useful if you’re new to South African cuisine and want to sample a bit of everything before committing to a full entrée.

3. Classic South African Comfort Dishes

Dishes may include:

• Curried or stewed meats
• Rice and vegetable combinations
• Items built around slow cooking and layered flavors, similar in spirit to soul food stews and braises

People who grew up on Southern food often recognize the same “low and slow,” deeply seasoned comfort factor here, even if the ingredient list looks different.

4. Sides and Sauces

Think of sides as the bridge between Atlanta comfort food and South African tradition:

• Hearty starches (rice, potatoes, pap)
• Vegetables with more assertive seasoning than plain steamed sides
• Peri-peri, chutneys, and spiced sauces that can be used to boost or customize flavor

If you’re nervous about spice, you can usually ask staff to guide you toward milder options.

Price Point and When It Makes Sense

10 Degrees South is generally in the mid-to-upscale range for Atlanta restaurants. It’s not fast-casual soul food, and it’s not the most expensive restaurant in Buckhead either, but you should expect:

• Higher prices than a casual Southern diner
• Costs in line with nice Buckhead dinner spots and steakhouses
• A typical outing that fits well for:
  • Anniversaries
  • Birthdays
  • Out-of-town guests
  • Pre- or post-event dinners (concerts, shows, or nights out in Buckhead)

If you’re simply looking for a quick, budget-friendly plate of fried chicken or wings, this is not that kind of stop. If you want a sit-down experience with a unique cultural angle, it’s a more suitable choice.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Timing Your Visit

In Atlanta, especially in neighborhoods like Buckhead, planning ahead can make or break your evening.

When to Consider a Reservation

For 10 Degrees South, many diners in Atlanta choose to book in advance if they are:

• Going Thursday through Saturday
• Planning a group dinner
• Going out on a holiday, big sports weekend, or concert night

For quieter early-week or early-evening visits, same-day or walk-in seating may sometimes be available, but it’s still smart to check ahead so you’re not stuck waiting.

Best Times to Go

• Earlier seatings (around opening until early evening): Usually more relaxed and quieter; good if you want to talk without shouting.
• Prime dinner hours (7–9 p.m., particularly on weekends): Expect more energy, more crowding in Buckhead overall, and possibly longer waits without a reservation.

If you’re visiting Atlanta for a limited time and want to maximize your evening, consider pairing dinner at 10 Degrees South with:

• A stroll or drinks in Buckhead afterward
• A nearby event or show, planning enough buffer so dinner doesn’t feel rushed

Dietary Preferences and Talking to Staff

Atlanta diners increasingly ask about gluten, dairy, spice levels, and other dietary factors. If you have restrictions or preferences:

• Ask which dishes can be adjusted or modified
• Ask about spice level in sauces like peri-peri
• Mention any serious allergies upfront so staff can guide you

South African cuisine can involve chili, dairy, and wheat-containing items, but many main dishes are based around meat plus starch and vegetables, which may be adaptable.

Comparing 10 Degrees South to Other Atlanta Options

Here’s a quick at-a-glance view of where 10 Degrees South sits among Atlanta’s dining styles:

If you already love Atlanta steakhouses and global restaurants and want a distinctive spin without leaving the comfort zone of grilled meats and rich sides, 10 Degrees South is aligned with that.

Tips for Locals vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

• Think of 10 Degrees South as a rotation option when you’re tired of the same few Buckhead or Midtown dinner spots.
• It can be a good “show-off” restaurant when friends or relatives visit and you want to highlight that Atlanta’s food scene is broader than just fried chicken and biscuits.
• Be mindful of traffic on Peachtree and major Buckhead corridors on weekends and plan around big events.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• 10 Degrees South offers a two-in-one experience: Atlanta’s Buckhead nightlife setting plus an introduction to South African flavors.
• Consider pairing your visit with shopping, bars, or lounges nearby so you can make a full evening out of Buckhead.
• If you’re relying on rideshare, price surges can happen around peak dinner and bar hours, so planning your departure time can help.

How to Decide if 10 Degrees South Is Right for You

10 Degrees South may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy steakhouses, grilled meats, and bold flavors
• Like the idea of trying something new that still feels like comfort food
• Want a more polished, evening-focused atmosphere rather than a casual soul food counter
• Are planning a date night, celebration, or Buckhead evening out

It may not be your best match if you’re looking for:

• A quick, inexpensive meal
• Classic, no-frills Southern soul food in a diner-style setting
• A very quiet, low-key café atmosphere

For anyone exploring Southern and soul food in Atlanta and curious about how global flavors intersect with comfort cooking, 10 Degrees South gives you a distinct, locally established option—rooted in South African tradition but very much part of Atlanta’s modern dining scene.